Page 521

521.1 past, passed

Passed is always a verb. Past can be used as a noun, as an adjective, or as a preposition.

I passed the science test! (verb)

The past is interesting to historians. (noun)

Studying past events can help solve present problems. (adjective)

521.2 peace, piece

Peace means “harmony or freedom from war.” Piece is a part or fragment of something.

Peace gave way to the children arguing over a piece of cake.

521.3 personal, personnel

Personal means “private.” Personnel are people working at a job.